Plantation shutters are louvered panels fixed either inside or outside windows and doors.

They originated in America and the West Indies and date back to before the American Civil War, but they are enjoying a well-deserved revival in today’s modern homes.

Plantation shutters are completely adjustable and allow you to fully control the sunlight and heat entering your home. Shutters reflect solar rays during summer, but can be opened to allow the warming sun into your home in winter – or (more realistically perhaps) closed to block out the blustery rain and wind.

Because there are no dangling cords, plantation shutters are a safe window covering for children and pets. They can also be made to fit awkward shapes such as triangular or arched windows.

There are three basic styles of plantation shutters:

• Full height – shutters cover the entire height of the window, producing a simple and elegant effect

• Tier-on-Tier - offers the versatility of separate shutters on top of each other. Each opens individually for the ultimate light and privacy control.

• Café style - shutters cover the bottom part of the window, leaving the top uncovered. This look is perfect for overlooked windows providing privacy whilst allowing natural light to flood the room.

Interior Inspirations offer plantation shutters from a number of top-quality manufacturers:

Luxaflex plantation shutters are made from indestructible Polyresin yet have a natural matte finish which brings elegance to any interior. Standing up to long summer days and cold winters, they are guaranteed to not blister, peel, flake, corrode or fade.

Shutters can be fixed, hinged or even mounted on a track so they fold completely out of the way when installed on wide windows. They can also be installed as room dividers which can slide open and closed.

Custom West plantation shutters come in a wide range of materials from MDF to luxury solid wood. The shutters have a unique minimal design that works well with both contemporary and traditional interiors, and can be fitted inside window recesses to minimise light infiltration when needed.

Custom West shutters can be ordered in hundreds of colours and wood finishes, and come with a 3 year guarantee.

Santa Fe shutters are inspired by the city in New Mexico from which they get their name; shutters are a feature of the traditional adobe houses in the city, which receives bright sunshine for 70% of the year.

Available in real wood or painted HS PVC, Santa Fe’s shutters come in number of different blade sizes and in a wide range of colours to add drama to any room.

You may not be able to importS anta Fe’s glorious climate, but you can certainly import the look!

In his book Adding Value to Your Home property expert Phil Spencer says “Good-quality shutters can add timeless elegance” - we are inclined to agree. Why not check out the range at Interior Inspirations’ showroom in Farnborough?